4 ‘Must Know’ Ways To Introduce The Nutcracker Ballet To Tweens
See below for a Free Printable Pack to go with the post.
Did you know that the Nutcracker ballet is not only for little kids?
If you didn’t know this before, then consider yourself informed – the Nutcracker Ballet is an ideal piece to use, when attempting to introduce tweens and teens to music appreciation.
There are many very complex elements of music that they can learn quickly and easily through this ballet and therefore you should not miss the opportunity.
Today’s post will be specifically focused on how you can use this Tchaikovsky classic to get your kids appreciating music this Christmas season.
As always I have included a printable with age appropriate activities and worksheets, so please don’t forget to download it.
Watch And Learn
As a starting point, ask your kids to learn the storyline for the ballet and then watch a rendition of it online.
There is nothing to beat watching a live performance, but let’s be honest, it can be very expensive and also not the best option given the current situation.
Movements, Moods, Instruments And Dynamics
Once your children have watched the entire ballet, they will realize that it has a number of different movements and each movement depicts different moods, features different instruments and the dynamics of the movement depend on the context of the story and the mood that it is trying to portray.
It would now be a good opportunity to ask you child to select one movement (favourite movement, least favourite movement, the climax in the story etc) to discuss in depth in terms of mood, instruments and dynamics.
Music From Around The World
The ballet also features a few cultural aspects, which can be used as a starting point for your kids to explore folk music from around the world and music from different cultures.
For instance they can decide to carry out a research study on Russian folk music and instruments or Chinese music etc.
Compare And Contrast
Did you know that Tchaikovsky wrote other ballets, besides the Nutcracker?
So why not ask your kids to compare one of his other ballets with this one?
They can draw conclusions and say which one they like the most and why.
What do you think?
Will your tweens like these activities?
Which one will you be starting them off on?
Karen Cadera
Founder/Creator
Mom, Teacher, Minimalist, Zero Waste Enthusiast, Multi Pod.
My daughter loved the games, but there were also worksheets and videos. The weekly lesson plans were complete, and I never questioned what I should be doing next.
Download the FREE Nutcracker Ballet Worksheets
Articles That Maybe Of Interest To You
5 Essential Reasons Why Your Child Needs To Learn Music Theory
facebooktwitterpinterestinstagramyoutubeSee below for a Free Printable Pack to go with the post.This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and purchase something, I may earn a small fee from the said company/manufacturer/seller or individual, from who you...
5 ‘Easy Peasy’ Steps To Teach Your Child To Read Piano Music
facebooktwitterpinterestinstagramyoutubeIn this post I thought I should give you the steps to teach your kids to read music notes in 5 easy steps. You have to have some knowledge of music to be able to understand this and be able to teach. This post is for the many...
2 Powerful Reasons Why Your Child Should Create Her Own Music When Learning To Play The Piano
facebooktwitterpinterestinstagramyoutubeWhen parents think of having their kids learn to play the piano or any other instrument, creating music is not the first thing that comes to mind. This is because we are all taught that we have to become a master at technique...